Incarcerated deejay Zebra is to be released from prison next Tuesday, THE STAR understands.

Major Richard Reese, commissioner of corrections, confirmed yesterday that Zebra, born Garfield Vassell, will be released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston on Tuesday.

"Thats the earliest release date he has," Reese said.

Zebra, who is known for hits such as Rupert and Redder Than Red, was placed at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in 2001 after he was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison for rape, assault at common-law, indecent assault and breaching a probation order.

Rape of student

The deejay was charged with the rape of an 18-year-old university student who was assaulted in bushes near Barry, St Catherine, in January 2001.

The assault at common-law charge stemmed from an incident involving his then girlfriend Sherilla 'Zebress' Williams.

The two reportedly had an argument at their Oakland apartment and Williams was allegedly beaten. Zebrawas later charged with indecent assault following an incident which occurred on October 17, 2000. He was accused of fondling a 15-year-old girl, pushed her on to a bed and tried to have sex with her.